Thai baby hippo Moo Deng becomes internet star, draws thousands to her zoo

Thailand's latest internet celebrity, baby hippo "Moo Deng", is challenging her keepers with the unexpectedly big crowds she is drawing to her zoo, two hours south of the capital Bangkok.

Moo Deng, whose name means "bouncing pig" in Thai, has millions of fans on social media following her clumsily charming adventures, including trying to nibble her handler despite still lacking teeth, reports Reuters.

Her small size and expressive features make her appear almost like a character from Pokemon. Videos showcasing Moo Deng's playful interactions, such as her joy at being sprayed with water and her cute reactions when lifted by a zookeeper, have gone viral. This newfound fame has significantly boosted the zoo's social media presence.

The baby hippo has even inspired fan art, memes, and branded merchandise with Sephora embracing the trend and promoting a campaign that playfully suggests customers "wear your blush like a baby hippo".

Atthapon Nundee, the 31-year-old zookeeper at the zoo, began sharing videos of all the animals under his care on social media during the pandemic. While tourists have played a role in boosting Moo Deng's online popularity, her lively personality has also contributed to her fame.

"The moment I saw Moo-Deng born, I set a goal to make her famous, but I never expected it would spread abroad. I thought she could be famous in Thailand but not internationally," he told the Guardian

"Normally on weekdays and in the rainy season – which is a low season – we'd be getting around 800 visitors each day," said Narungwit Chodchoy, director of the Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chonburi province.

People take pictures as a two-month-old female pygmy hippo named "Moo Deng" who has recently become a viral internet sensation, eats with her mother Jona at Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chonburi province, Thailand, September 16, 2024. Photo: REUTERS

However, the zoo is now getting 3,000 to 4,000 people on weekdays, and welcomed 20,000 visitors over the weekend, he said – most of them lining up to see Moo Deng.

"Moo Deng fever means we will have to organise better so all visitors can see her," Narungwit said.

On Monday morning, the pink-cheeked hippo, whose siblings are called Pork Stew and Sweet Pork, was sitting happily in a bowl of vegetables and other snacks.

"I left home in Bangkok from 6:30 this morning just to come and see Moo Deng," said 45-year-old Ekaphak Mahasawad. "I'm only here to see her."

Moo Deng's grandmother, Malee, recently celebrated her 59th birthday as Thailand's oldest hippo.

Unfortunately, despite her fame, Moo Deng has faced challenges from overly enthusiastic fans. Reports of visitors throwing food and disturbing her for attention have raised concerns. The zoo has responded by installing CCTV cameras and urging visitors to act respectfully, reports Hindustan Times. 

Pygmy hippos are a critically endangered species, and a 1993 study claims that there were fewer than 3,000 left in the wild.

They are native to West Africa but are threatened by habitat loss due to human activities. "I hope that the cuteness of Moo-Deng will raise awareness for people to come and learn about [the species]," said Atthapon. Conservationists hope that Moo Deng's popularity will raise awareness and support for efforts to protect these rare, adorable animals.